Why Lil Wayne’s Emmett Till Lyric was Also a Women’s Issue

I love hip hop. Loving
something doesn’t make it free from legitimate criticism; there is a history of
certain rap/hip-hop artists maintaining a certain attitude toward women and in
discussing this in my personal conversations, I’m often brought back to a
chicken-egg conversation. Do artists have a responsibility to restrict their
message because some of the people who receive their work may not be capable of
examining and properly critiquing it? Do audience members (and whoever may be
responsible for them) have a responsibility to withdraw from supporting the
artists that they like when they are offensive, outrageous, and disgusting? I’d
argue yes, to both.

So, yeah. Lil Wayne is
featured on the remix of Future’s song “Karate Chop” — which appears to be
about selling cocaine, riding in fancy cars, and generally blowing money — and
yet again, he’s offended the masses. As an artist, I often wonder if certain
things are untouchable; as an activist (and supposed decent human being), I
know that many people abide by our social mores and the cultural understanding
that we have of the difference between ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ and behavior that is
simply in poor taste.

And along comes Lil
Wayne. Not-in-his-defense, I have found that our objections of the really awful
things that he says aren’t particularly for all the right reasons. For example,
the latest hubbub is based on Tunechi saying: Beat that p*ssy up, like Emmett Till.

As with anything, we
should look at the lyric in it’s full context. So, Weezy’s full verse, if it
provides any source of context for you, says:

September 16, 2012

Considering it's such a small state, Connecticut is brimming with a wide array of artists from the myriad of creative disciplines, which includes Hip-Hop and rap. While most folks scattered across the northeast may consider CT’s rap scene to be nothing more than a fleeting fantasy for inexperienced wannabes, I surmise, that charting a path from the Nutmeg state to universal stardom gives up-and-coming rappers and Hip-Hop artists quite the advantage. Being an underdog that’s often brushed off by its larger than life New York cousins induces a certain degree of famine . . . and that intense hunger has produced an impressive list of lyricists, spoke-word performers, and beat makers, looking to make their mark on the Hip-Hop scene. Greg “A.R.T.” Moore is among them.

February 09, 2012

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! That is unless you're lactose intolerant...

One ice cream man however, is providing goods that are capable of being digested; Hartford's ownStephon "Humble" Long. Connecticut is a small state brimming with talent that spans the arts and entertainment spectrum. Stephon, a well-known rapper, has managed to carve out a niche for himself and build a loyal fan base in the process, especially with the release of his single and accompanying video (which uses Hartford-area neighborhood(s) as its backdrop) "Ice Cream Man."

Stephon, who goes by the nickname "Humble" (a moniker he received from a close friend andbrother from another mother, Kiandre "Fatal" Gillespie) - first realized his talent for writing lyrics at the age of 13. With the help of friend, Delontay Gordon, he honed his craft and used what he learned to form a rap duo with Gillespie called, Black Aces. “Am I humble? At times! And at other times my arrogance may show face” Humble Lol's, in reference to his nickname. Considering he's been diligent with mastering his craft and paying his dues since the age of fifteen (working fervently for about 9 of those years), perhaps a little self-applied pat on the back on occasion, is permissible.

"I've built up my fan base by performing for open Mics and by being a part of Hartford's own Paperboyz [a collective of Hartford rappers and producers] in the early 2000's," Humble explains. And whileIce Cream Manisn't his first single and video, it does seem to be his most lauded at 29,000 YouTube views and counting.

The video, which was directed by Alonzo Beckett ofNE Video Entertainmentopens as a nod to Ice Cube's popular urban flick,Friday,before exploding into a thumping version of the ice cream truck song we've all familiarized ourselves with as children. The song, produced by Luis "ChaseBeats" Boria, explains the duality of Humble's role as the purveyor of tasty frozen treats for children andstreet treatsof ... ahem... a different nature.

Humble’s talent is undeniable;"Right now I'm currently working with local producers; but every local producer I'm working with is very goal oriented!"

When prodded about his dream-list of producers to build with if presented with the opportunity, Humble answers enthusiastically,"Ooh, that's a good question!! I would love the opportunity to work with... I'm gonna have to keep it in the family and sayCorron Cole- [a Connecticut born, L.A. based songwriter/producer made-good and behind the musical stylings of acts like Justin Bieber, Jesse McCartney, and Jordin Sparks]- I admire his commitment to the music industry; and as for artists I’d love to work with... I'm gonna have to say Eminem and Jay-Z!"

Perhaps one of the most admirable aspects of Humble's burgeoning rap career, is the passion he seems to have for Hartford... a city that's at times, unfairly judged for being the underdog and is juxtaposed next to New York and Boston. The bias prompts the dearth of talent and the city's offerings go unnoticed... and so it takes naysayers by surprise.

As he reflects on his music, Humble makes it clear that it will always dictate the mood he's in at the time."I write from the heart!" He says, "I don't live a fairytale life... It's real. I do it for the people! I do it for my supporters… I hate to use the word fans!"

Stephon "Humble" Long will be performing live at Foxwoods Casino, March 2 atComix Comedy Club .Ice Cream Man and other singles are available for download on iTunes.